Car of Tomorrow
From The Third Turn, a Wikia wiki
The Car of Tomorrow is an upcoming car body style for NASCAR's Sprint Cup.
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[edit] Design
On January 12, 2006, NASCAR announced a universal car named "Car of Tomorrow" or (COT for short) after a five-year design program sparked by Dale Earnhardts crash during the 2001 Daytona 500. The primary design considerations are "safety innovations, performance and competition, and cost efficiency for teams." [1]
All cars will be required to fit the same set of templates. NASCAR is currentley testing 4 diffrent manufacturer Models: Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Avenger, and Toyota Camry. NASCAR has frequently adjusted the rules to ensure that different car manufacturers have relatively equal cars. The universal body of the Car of Tomorrow will eliminate these problems.
The car has reduced dependence on aerodynamics and improved handling. The car will probably feature a detachable wing, which has not been used since the Dodge Charger Daytona and Plymouth Superbird in the 1970s. [2] The windshield is more upright, which increases drag. The air intake is below the front bumper of the car, which eliminates overheating caused by clogged grills. The front bumper is more box-like, which slows the car down by catching more air.
The Car of Tomorrow has improved safety features over the current car. The driver's seat has been moved four inches to the right, the roll cage has been shifted three inches to the rear, and the car is two inches taller and four inches wider. More "crush-ability" is built into the car on both sides, ensuring even more protection. The car's exhaust runs through the body, and exits on the right side, which diverts heat away from the driver. The fuel cell is stronger, and has a smaller capacity (17.5 gallons from 22 gallons.
[edit] Testing
The Car of Tomorrow was first tested at the 2.5 mile Daytona International Speedway, then on NASCAR's two shortest tracks, Bristol (0.533 mi) and Martinsville (0.526 mi.), the 1.5 mile Lowe's Motor Speedway outside Charlotte, North Carolina, and Michigan. Former NASCAR driver and NASCAR Director of Cost Research Brett Bodine has tested the prototype car against cars prepared by current NASCAR teams.
[edit] Schedule
The Car of Tomorrow will be first raced at the 2007 spring race at Bristol Motor Speedway. The car will be used at sixteen events in 2007, consisting of all tracks less than a mile and a half in length, the road courses, and the second Talladega race. In 2008, tracks 2 miles or more in length will use it. The Car of Tomorrow will be used at all events starting in 2009.
